Local People, Local Power at Glebe

Posted by Heartburst Digital28sc on May 22, 2013

326 members of community groups, unions and religious organisations met this week to negotiate a better future for young people living in Glebe. The Assembly, held by the Glebe-Redfern district of the Sydney Alliance, invited Mirvac CEO John Carfi to publicly negotiate new apprenticeship opportunities for young residents.

“This was an opportunity for Mirvac to publicly commit to the local community,” said Amanda Tattersall, Coalition Director of the Sydney Alliance.

“Mirvac has agreed to support two to four extra apprenticeships this year on top of two existing positions. They have also agreed to work with subcontractors to try and fund more apprenticeships.”

“We’ve seen so much progress already in Glebe, with two local Aboriginal apprentices working on site at the Harold Park Estate development.

“This is a chance for Mirvac to step up and continue to be a part of local change.”

The Alliance’s ‘Working Start’ program gives young people the opportunity to access apprenticeships and training programs in the local area.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Youth Victor Dominello were also invited to the Assembly, however neither was able attend.

Alliance members were disappointed that Lord Mayor Moore had pulled out at the last minute. In response, over 300 letters were signed by Alliance members and have been sent to the Lord Mayor asking for her to meet with the Glebe district team.

They will push for City of Sydney Council to offer more apprenticeships to disadvantaged young people in the area.

The Assembly also heard from each of the ten Sydney Alliance local districts and their plans for local change. Those present had the chance to speak with local district leaders and to get involved with the campaigns in their area.

Sydney Alliance partner organisations present included the Catholic Church, the NSW Cancer Council, the Construction union (CFMEU), the Uniting Church in Australia, the Baptist Union, Anglican congregations, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, Western Sydney Community Forum, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, members of Sydney’s Climate Action Network, United Voice, the Rail Tram and Bus Union, the Arab Council of Australia, the National Tertiary Education Union and many others.